elder abuse

Incidents of elder abuse are increasing in Oregon. A report from the Office of Adult Abuse Prevention last week documents a 10 percent jump in allegations and investigations.

The most common types of adult abuse are financial, for those living at home, and neglect, for those living in care facilities. Rebecca Fetters of Oregon’s Department of Human Services says the reason for the increase is partially demographic:

Fetters: “We might anticipate continuing to see an increase in those numbers going forward, in part because of the rapid aging of the 65 and older population.”

Oregon has released the first-ever study on the financial exploitation of adults with disabilities and the elderly.

It may be a crime that happens over a long period or a one time event. And it may take years for the victim to discover it, if they ever do. The study found the majority of financial abuse is perpetrated by family, friends and non-relative caregivers. Researcher Rebecca Fetters says they’re not only stealing money.